40 years of Spain in the EU
Forty years ago, Spain became a valued member of the European Union.
EU membership strengthened Spain’s democracy and marked the beginning of a new era of economic progress, growth and stability. EU support has been instrumental in modernising Spain’s economy and infrastructure, improving healthcare and rising living standards across the country. European solidarity has also been key in helping Spain overcome challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to recent floods and forest fires.
Since 1986, the European Union has made Spain stronger. And Spain has made our Union better.
How Spain has changed the EU
Spain and the EU share a remarkable success story, built on peace, prosperity and solidarity – one that has grown stronger over four decades. Spain has made a lasting contribution the European Union helping to advance rights and freedoms across Europe, and expanding opportunities for Europeans to study, work and travel throughout the country. With Spain’s support, the EU has deepened its partnerships with Latin America and the Mediterranean region, strengthening the EU’s global ties.
How EU membership has changed Spain
Over 200,000 Spaniards have studied at universities across the EU thanks to the Erasmus+ between 2021 and 2024
Over 500,000 Spanish farmers receive vital support through the EU’s agricultural policy every year
More than 100% increase in Spain’s real GDP since joining the EU
More facts and figures
- Since joining the EU, Spanish regions have benefited from strong investments in local infrastructure. Spain has received over €150 billion in cohesion funding since 1986. Over the past 40 years, more than 7 million households have gained access to broadband thanks to regional EU funds. Close to 150,000 companies have also benefited from the EU’s cohesion programme.
- With EU membership, Spain has enjoyed deeper trade links with global partners across the world. Spain’s global exports in goods grew from €12.6 billion in 1986 (4.9% of GDP) to €141.5 billion in 2024 (8.9% of GDP).
- Since 1986, Spanish researchers have received more than €17 billion in Horizon Europe funding. This support has helped more than 30,000 Spanish researchers carry out projects with direct benefits for citizens across Europe.
Success stories
Since the 1990s, Spain has built almost all its high-speed rail using the EU standard gauge, allowing its trains to connect seamlessly with other European networks. And EU funding has played a big role, with nearly €384 million invested from 2007 to 2013 to improve important rail sections like the Madrid-Galicia line. Over the past ten years, the EU has also invested in major infrastructure projects, including theBergara-San Sebastian-Bayonne railway section of the Atlantic Corridor that connects Spain and France, boosting international and regional connectivity.
Spain has taken a leading role in advancing European science, from solar energy to quantum technologies. Spain’s QCIRCLE project in the Canary Islands leads EU efforts to develop quantum technologies like sensing, computing and communications. The project helps Europe improve energy use, fight climate change, and advance healthcare through early diagnosis and personalised treatments.
As a key contributor to the EU’s Global Gateway, Spain is helping bring clean energy to the indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé region in Panama. This will benefit over 36,000 people by connecting 6,000 homes, schools, and health centres. Supported by €10.4 million in EU funding, this project is part of the EU-Panama Global Gateway plan, which aims to invest over €1 billion in clean energy and modern electricity networks.
Together with seven other European countries, Spain is working to develop new technologies for greener maritime transport in the Atlantic. The EU-funded HY2FISH project aims to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of fishing vessels. This will help pave the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing in Europe.
Source: https://commission.europa.eu/topics/enlargement/together-eu/40-years-together/spain_en
OCD | 1 January 2026
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